Welcome to Ratib Tours and Travel Ltd. These Terms and Conditions govern all safari bookings, holiday packages, permits, and travel services arranged through our website, directly with our consultants, or via authorized representatives. By confirming a booking or submitting a deposit with us, you agree to be bound by the terms detailed below.
1. Booking Confirmation & Reservations
- Initial Inquiry & Quotation: All quotations provided are based on current park entry tariffs, lodging rates, exchange rates, and statutory taxes. Rates are subject to adjustment until a booking is officially confirmed.
- Deposit Requirement: A non-refundable commitment deposit of 30% to 50% of the total package price (in addition to 100% upfront payment for gorilla/chimpanzee permits) is required to secure accommodation, guides, and ground logistics.
- Final Balance: The remaining balance must be cleared at least 30 days prior to the safari start date. For reservations made within 30 days of departure, full payment is required immediately upon booking.
2. Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
- Advance Purchase: Primate permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or respective national wildlife bodies are subject to strict availability and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Non-Refundable Policy: Trekking permits must be paid 100% in advance. Once purchased, permits are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable under wildlife authority regulations, except where officially refunded by the issuing authority.
- Age & Fitness Regulations: Travelers must comply with statutory age restrictions (minimum 15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking) and standard park health protocols.
3. Payment Methods & Currency
- Payments may be made via international bank wire transfer (SWIFT), authorized electronic payment links, or cash at our Kampala office.
- Invoices are issued in US Dollars (USD) or Uganda Shillings (UGX). All bank processing fees, currency conversion charges, and transaction surcharges are the responsibility of the client.
4. Cancellation & Refund Policy
All cancellation notices must be submitted in writing via email to talk2us@ratibtours.com. The effective date of cancellation is the date written notice is received by our team.
Refunds on safari land arrangements are calculated based on the timeline below:
| Notice Period Before Safari Date | Cancellation Charge / Refund Policy |
| 61+ Days prior to departure | Full refund less initial non-refundable deposit and permit costs |
| 31 to 60 Days prior to departure | 50% refund of the total package cost (excluding permits) |
| 15 to 30 Days prior to departure | 25% refund of the total package cost (excluding permits) |
| 0 to 14 Days prior to departure / No-show | 0% refund (100% cancellation charge applies) |
Note: Unused itinerary portions, missed meals, early departures, or voluntarily omitted activities are non-refundable.
5. Itinerary Amendments & Force Majeure
- Operator Adjustments: Ratib Tours and Travel reserves the right to alter routes, accommodations, or activities if necessitated by weather conditions, road closures, park authority directives, or client safety. Equivalent alternatives will be provided where possible.
- Force Majeure: We accept no liability and pay no compensation for cancellations, delays, or changes caused by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, extreme weather, civil unrest, border closures, pandemics, strikes, or government restrictions.
6. Travel Insurance, Health & Personal Risk
- Mandatory Insurance: All travelers must obtain comprehensive international travel and medical insurance prior to arrival. Policies must cover trip cancellation, medical evacuation, hospitalization, baggage loss, and wildlife safari activities.
- Health & Vaccinations: Clients are responsible for ensuring they meet all medical entry requirements for Uganda and East Africa (such as Yellow Fever vaccination, routine immunizations, and malaria prophylactics).
- Wildlife Interactions: Safaris involve visits to natural habitats with wild animals. While our expert guides adhere to strict safety measures, travelers participate at their own risk and must follow all ranger instructions.
7. Limitation of Liability
- Ratib Tours and Travel acts as an agent for hotels, airlines, transport providers, and activity vendors. While we select reputable partners, we are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, delay, or irregularity caused by independent third-party operators.
- We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings during transfers or lodge stays.
8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Uganda. Any dispute or legal claim arising from our services shall be submitted exclusively to the competent courts of Uganda.
Contact Information
For questions, booking confirmations, or legal inquiries regarding these terms, reach our team at:
- Company: Ratib Tours and Travel Ltd.
- Office Address: Makindye Lukuli (after Papaz Spot), Lukuli Plaza SP 06, Kampala, Uganda
- Email: talk2us@ratibtours.com
- Telephone: +256 750 541 378 | +256 751 701 522 | +256 705 721 213